Examining unsupervised time with peers and the role of association with delinquent peers on adolescent smoking

INTRODUCTION: This study explored the association between unsupervised time with peers and adolescent smoking behavior both directly and indirectly through interaction with delinquent peers, social expectancies about cigarette smoking, and cigarette offers from peers. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was used for the study and included 248 male and female middle school students. RESULTS: Results of structural equation modeling revealed that unsupervised time with peers is associated indirectly with adolescent smoking behavior through the mediation of association with delinquent peers, social expectancies about cigarette smoking, and cigarette offers from peers. DISCUSSION: Interventions designed to motivate adolescents without adult supervision to associate more with friends who engage in prosocial activities may eventually reduce adolescent smoking. Further implications for structured supervised time for students outside of school time are discussed.